Majors & Minors

The psychology program is designed to meet the needs of a variety of students. To this end, two degrees are offered: the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science.

Either degree provides a solid foundation in psychology, and either can serve as preparation for postgraduate study or employment. However, for those students who intend to pursue the doctorate in psychology following graduation from PLU, the Bachelor of Science degree is likely to provide an especially strong preparation.

The Bachelor of Science degree is also an excellent pre-professional degree for those students who plan to enter the fields of dentistry, medicine (all branches, including psychiatry), public health, or veterinary medicine. Many in business, education, nursing, and social work find a double major with psychology to be a valuable addition to their training.

To declare a B.A. in psychology, contact the department chair (psyc@plu.edu).

Bachelor of Science Major – 62 semester hours, including:

PSYC 101, 242, 481, 499

One of PSYC 310, 315, 320, 330

One of PSYC 440, 442, 448

At least two semester hours from PSYC 495, 496, or 497

12 semester hours of elective psychology courses

STAT 232 (psychology class) and accompanying lab

20 semester hours in mathematics and natural science are required. Of the 20 hours, at least four semester hours must be in mathematics and at least eight semester hours in biology.

Those students who, after graduating from PLU, plan to enter schools of dentistry, medicine, public health, or veterinary medicine should note the specific pre-professional mathematics and science requirements.

To declare a B.S. in Psychology, contact the department chair (psyc@plu.edu).

Minor – 20 semester hours, of which

At least 12 semester hours must be taken in residence. If a statistics course is used as part of the 20-hour requirement, then it must be STAT 232 (psychology class) taught by a member of the psychology department.

The minor in psychology is designed to supplement another major in the liberal arts or a degree program in a professional school, such as business, education, or nursing.

PSYC 110, 111, and 113 do not count toward the major or minor.

To declare a minor in Psychology, contact the department chair (psyc@plu.edu).

Course Prerequisites and Grades

A grade of C- or higher must have been earned in a course in order for it to qualify as a prerequisite and to apply towards the major.

Experiential Learning

All Psychology majors are required to take a minimum of two semester hours of PSYC 495, 496 or 497.

Capstone

Psychology majors are required to complete a capstone project and present this project as part of PSYC 499 at the Psychology Research Conference held every term.